The Aga Khan Schools in Tanzania

The event is a call to action towards achieving holistic learning for all children in the region, by sharing innovations and evidence on what has worked in the East African context. The event united over 400 key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, researchers, educators, students and more.  

AKES, Tanzania made a significant impact by co-hosting the panel titled, "Climate and Environment – Building a Resilient Education System". This crucial discussion centred on leveraging climate and environment-resilient education systems to drive collaboration and harmonisation across the East African community. It also emphasised the importance of empowering students and fostering community engagement as vital components of these efforts.  

Ms Nikita Gidwani, AKES, Tanzania’s career counsellor and sustainability projects lead, alongside the CEO of the organisation, Dr Shelina Walli, contributed insightful perspectives and forged strategic partnerships that are essential for advancing climate action in Tanzania. During their time in Arusha, Dr Walli and Ms Gidwani visited the Aga Khan University in Tanzania, where various sustainability-related projects are being conducted. They drew inspiration and ideas to bring back to the schools.  

"What I found is that there are a lot of resources to help build the capacity of teachers,” Ms Gidwani said. “There are so many agencies and NGOs that want to help. You must break the ice and reach out, and that’s why these conferences are so important: to develop connectedness among people working towards a sustainable future for all.” 

As 2024 is the Year of Education for the African Union, climate education is no longer just a thematic focus; it has evolved into a foundational framework deeply embedded throughout AKES, Tanzania’s curricula. The mission is to cultivate a school culture that empowers students to harness their knowledge and skills to effect positive change in their communities and everyday lives. This can be seen through AKES, Tanzania’s Eco Leaders, who are students from nursery to secondary selected to lead sustainable initiatives. The Eco Leaders have established a classroom garden, an outdoor garden located next to AKES, Tanzania’s micro-forest, which will grow fruits and vegetables for the school’s canteen.  

“The conference provided insight into Africa's potential as a continent to come together through educational stakeholders,” Dr Walli remarked. “Learning from others strengthens the collective effort to establish a meritocracy that is relevant, competent and contextual. It was also a wonderful opportunity to network, as testimonies of best practices were shared.”